ipsy November Glam Bag Reveal and Review

In Brutally Honest Reviews, we give you our honest opinions on the things we purchase with our own hard-earned money. This month’s Brutally Honest Review is the November Ipsy Glam Bag. For $10 a month, Ipsy will send you five products in a custom designed bag. You fill out a short survey so they can customize your bag as best as possible, so your bag may be different than mine.

November Ipsy Glam Bag Reveal & Review

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “rockstar”? I think glitter, bright lips, and black eyeliner. Basically Gwen Stefani.

This month’s rockstar-inspired cosmetics bag is a navy neoprene one with a constellation pattern. On closer look, the constellations form make-up inspired images like brushes, mascara, etc. Now that’s an astrological sign I can get behind!

First impressions of both the month’s Rockstar theme and bag are pretty high. But more importantly, what’s inside?

The Rockstar-themed November ipsy Glam bag

Here are the five items in my November ipsy Glam bag:

Tarte Cosmetics Marajuca Oil

One of my gripes with ipsy is that they don’t tell you anything about the product. So if the manufacturer doesn’t put directions or usages on the packaging, you’re S.O.L. Tarte is a favorite brand of mine (their eyeshadows are amazing!) but even after researching the product online, I have no idea what it does.

The box this pretty little bottle came in told me to rub this miracle oil on my hands, and then pat it onto freshly washed skin, including my neck. I did as I was told and it feels like a breakout waiting to happen. My skin feels soft, but also greasy. And perhaps trying this product the night before a big presentation wasn’t the best idea – I would not be shocked to wake up with clogged pores and a fresh bout of acne. The package also says that I could rub it on my cuticles, onto rough skin or in my hair, which only furthers my confusion as to what this product actually does.

The ipsy website claims I’ll want a bottle of this mystery formula “on you at all times.” Should you agree (and the jury’s still out over here) you can purchase a 1.7 oz bottle on the Tarte website for $48. No ipsy-specific code included, but if you sign up for the Tarte email list you can get 15% off.

Indie Lee CoQ – 10 Toner

This one was another head scratcher. It claims to be a toner, which I get, but it has a spray/pump nozzle, something I’ve never seen before on a toner. The instructions are also VERY specific, yet somehow are still puzzling to me: “Apply to face after cleansing or after workout. Avoid the eye area. Follow up with moisturizer.” I got a good laugh out of the “apply after workout” part of the instructions – unless they define a workout as getting up to open a bottle of wine, I’ll only be abiding by the use “after cleansing” part.

The story behind the brand is a bit more interesting then the product itself: “Girl gets brain tumor. Girl fights brain tumor. Girl beats brain tumor. Girl gets a new lease on life—and discovers that environmental toxins may have caused brain tumor. So girl creates an eco-friendly, safe and all-natural skincare collection. Girl designs the ultimate green product line that protects the earth and our bodies.” Which explains why the product is paraben free, phthalate free and cruelty free. The full size price is $32, and you can get 20% off all Indie Lee products on their website using code IPSYCQ20

…unless they define a workout as getting up to open a bottle of wine, I’ll only be abiding by the use “after cleansing” part.

Absolute New York Matte Stick in NFA52 Dark Red

I love a good red lip stick. A bright lip can add instant glam to the most basic of outfits, and I’m always searching for the perfect red. It’s a bit of a holy grail, with some being too bright and some not being too bright enough. This one is more of a brick red than a fire engine red, and I love that the formula is an on-trend matte versus a sticky gloss. It’s also a full-size version, which is always a plus in my book. The color ended up looking GREAT on, and the formula stayed on for a long time without drying out my lips.

I have never heard of the brand, but am intrigued. A quick look at the website shows that they are wallet-friendly, with similar sized lipsticks retailing for around $5.99. And this month you can get 20% off your entire order at AbsoluteNewYork.com with the code IPSY.

A bright lip can add instant glam to the most basic of outfits

EYEKO Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Blackyet

While mascara and red lipstick are two things I can never get enough of, black eyeliner is something I don’t want and don’t need, so of course, they send it to me all. the. time. I will admit to not even trying this product – I literally have nowhere to wear it to (ah, the glamourous life of a working mom!). I’m sure someone else will find it fabulous, and if that person is you, drop me a note in the comments and I’ll be happy to send it your way.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I will take a deluxe sample of mascara any day. Its one of those items that you can never have enough of and this deluxe sample is the perfect size to throw in your purse or travel bag. Too Faced is also a favorite brand of mine, and this mascara is pretty awesome. I have long but thin lashes and one coat of this bad boy makes them look almost fake in length. Two coats actually make them look full! I did notice that during the day it migrated from my eyelashes to under my eyes.

Too Faced is a premium brand, and a full sized version of this mascara will run you $23. Use IPSTERLOVE2016 for 20% off your order plus free shipping at TooFaced.com.

The Brutally Honest Verdict for the November ipsy Glam Bag

For $10, I got two products that I love and will use regularly, along with two that I’m interested in trying out and one that I’ll give away to the first interested commenter. On my totally made up and arbitrary ratings scale, I would give the November ipsy Glam Bag a rating of The Sweetest Escape: a solid album from Gwen but not the best solo album (that would be Love. Angel. Music. Baby).

I am a budget conscious shopper but not afraid to throw down on a few key investment pieces. I used to love shopping at the mall but with three children and most brands generous online return policies, I much prefer shopping from my couch. With a glass of wine.
For work, I tend to look for classic pieces with interesting details – I’ve never met an exposed zipper I didn’t like. For the weekends, I look for easy pieces that allow me to move and chase after three crazy kids.
I believe that jewelry can totally change an outfit. I do not own or want an iron. I am still searching for the perfect handbag.